Category Archives: Business & Economy

Biota Coorg brews global strategy, with Australia on the map

Business & Economy, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

Image Source: Biota Coorg

From the misty slopes of Kodagu to the boutique cafés of Melbourne, India’s specialty coffee is preparing to make another leap across continents. Biota Coorg Farmer Producer Company Ltd, a collective of 122 small and medium coffee growers in Karnataka’s famed coffee belt, is setting its sights on the Australian market in a bold move to expand its export footprint, boost value addition, and deepen its identity as a producer of traceable, sustainable, and high-quality beans.

Australia, with its sophisticated café culture, artisanal roasters, and rising consumer awareness of origin-based coffees, represents fertile ground for Biota’s next phase of international growth. The collective, headquartered in India’s largest coffee-producing district, has built a model that is part agricultural co-op, part ethical brand-builder. It assists its grower-members in post-harvest processing, collective marketing, and navigating international trade—functions that are traditionally out of reach for smallholder farmers operating independently. The result is a more stable income, higher returns per bean, and a stronger voice in the global value chain.

Biota’s ambition to enter the Australian market aligns with a broader shift in Indian coffee exports, which rose 19 per cent year-on-year in Q1 FY25, signaling sustained global demand for premium Indian arabicas and robustas. The group already sells to several countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Portugal, and exported around 80 tonnes last year, with a goal of surpassing 100 tonnes in the current fiscal. But beyond volume, Biota’s deeper play lies in branding and sustainability—two pillars increasingly shaping the premium coffee market worldwide.

Sustainability is not just a marketing veneer for Biota—it is embedded in its production ethos. Half of its member farms are already Rainforest Alliance certified, and the remainder are undergoing certification. The group has also positioned itself to comply with the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation, which will require rigorous traceability of agricultural imports into the EU. This compliance-readiness not only secures existing export channels but builds a strong foundation for expansion into regulation-conscious markets like Australia.

The push into Australia also reflects Biota’s evolution from being a commodity supplier to a brand-builder. With the global coffee industry undergoing a structural shift—from commodity to craft, from anonymity to traceability—Biota is working to develop its own identity that reflects the terroir of Kodagu, its ecological richness, and the collective power of its farmer members. Kodagu’s biodiversity, rainfall, and shaded agroforestry systems give its coffees a unique profile that resonates with discerning global consumers seeking both quality and ethical production.

Australia’s coffee culture, which prizes direct sourcing, sustainable partnerships, and taste-driven narratives, could prove a natural next step for Biota. The group is seeking to hold virtual cupping sessions with Australian roasters, and is actively pursuing connections with distributors, retailers, and promotional platforms in the region. The potential payoff is more than market access—it’s the chance to embed a South Indian cooperative directly into the fabric of a global specialty coffee community.

Biota’s strategy mirrors the broader ambition of India’s agricultural collectives: to shift from being price takers to value creators, from invisible nodes in a global chain to recognised origin brands. With a focus on certification, traceability, and producer empowerment, the Kodagu-based FPC offers a blueprint for how Indian agri-cooperatives can rewrite their roles in global trade—not by scaling up indiscriminately, but by scaling smart, sustainable, and strategic.

As India’s coffee exports find new momentum and global buyers seek transparent, climate-friendly sourcing, Biota’s bid to enter Australia is not just a market expansion—it’s a recalibration of how Indian coffee tells its story to the world.

source: http://www.biotacoorg.com/ Biota Coorg / Home> Value Chain> News / by Agro Spectrum / July 11th, 2025

SCA announces board of directors candidates

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , ,

Sunalini Menon started working for the Coffee Board of India in 1971. Image CoffeeLab

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the candidates for its latest SCA Board of Directors Elections.

Following nominations and then interviews with the SCA Nominations Committee, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC; Sunalini N. Menon, President of Coffeelab Limited; and Karsten Ranitzsch, Global Head of Coffee at Nestle Nespresso S.A have been shortlisted.

From 1 to 30 September, a Nominations by Petition period will commence. Applicants not selected through the nominations and interview process who collect at least 100 signatures from SCA professional members or the primary contact of a company member can be added to the final ballot by petition.

The final ballot will be announced on 13 October. SCA members will be invited to vote for the new director from 1 to 30 November, with the result of the election to be announced on 15 December.

The SCA Board of Directors consists of 15 volunteer members, supported by CEO Yannis Apostolopouloss and the SCA staff. According to the organisation, the board supports the work of the SCA and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance.

The SCA is the world’s largest coffee trade association. It was established in 2017 with the merger of the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe.

source : http://www.gcmag.com / Global Coffee Report / Home> News / by Kathryn Lewis / August 28th, 2026

Coffee exports surge as Robusta powers India’s trade growth

Business & Economy, Coffee News

Total coffee shipments, including re-exports, rose to 318,287 tonnes by August 23, driven by robusta and instant coffee, even as rising inventories and Brazil’s harvest outlook pushed global prices lower

India’s coffee exports are running well ahead of last year’s pace, powered by strong shipments of robusta and a sharp increase in instant coffee re-exports. But the export momentum is unfolding against a more complicated backdrop: global coffee prices have started to retreat as expectations of a faster Brazilian harvest and rising robusta inventories weigh on the market. According to the Coffee Board’s Daily Coffee Market Report dated August 24, 2026, India’s total provisional coffee exports, including re-exports, reached 318,287 metric tonnes between January 1 and August 23, 2026, compared with 258,066 metric tonnes during the corresponding period last year. That represents an increase of roughly 23.3 per cent, highlighting the strong momentum in India’s coffee trade during the first eight months of the year.

Indian coffee exports alone, excluding re-exports, stood at 239,828 tonnes, up from 193,975 tonnes during the corresponding period last year. This translates into a growth of nearly 24 per cent, with robusta emerging as the largest contributor to the increase.

Robusta Leads the Export Charge

The biggest movement came from robusta cherry, where provisional exports climbed to 135,480 tonnes, compared with 105,223 tonnes a year earlier. That is an increase of nearly 29 per cent, making robusta cherry by far the largest category in India’s coffee export basket during the period. Arabica parchment exports rose to 39,380 tonnes, from 31,400 tonnes in the same period last year, while Arabica cherry shipments increased to 10,360 tonnes, compared with 8,715 tonnes. In contrast, robusta parchment exports slipped marginally to 18,896 tonnes from 19,230 tonnes. Roasted coffee seed exports rose to 72 tonnes, against 51 tonnes in the previous year, while roast and ground coffee increased to 343 tonnes from 290 tonnes.

The other major contributor was instant coffee. Provisional exports of Indian instant coffee rose to 35,297 tonnes, compared with 29,066 tonnes in the corresponding period last year. In addition, provisional instant coffee re-exports reached 78,459 tonnes, up from 64,090 tonnes a year earlier. This took total instant coffee shipments, including re-exports, to 113,756 tonnes, compared with 93,156 tonnes last year.

The numbers underline an important feature of India’s coffee trade. While green coffee continues to dominate exports, the role of value-added and re-exported instant coffee has become increasingly significant. Of the total 318,287 tonnes shipped during the period, instant coffee, including re-exports, accounted for more than one-third of the total export volume.

Global Coffee Prices Turn Lower

The export strength, however, is coming at a time when international coffee markets are losing some of their recent momentum. According to the Coffee Board’s market analysis, coffee prices settled sharply lower in the latest trading session, with robusta falling to a one-week low. The market came under pressure on expectations that drier weather in Brazil could accelerate the country’s coffee harvest. At the same time, rising inventories added to concerns over robusta supply.

ICE robusta inventories climbed to an 8.75-month high of 4,732 lots, adding further pressure to the market. December Arabica futures declined by 2.02 per cent, or 6.65 US cents per pound, to close at 322.65 US cents per pound. September ICE robusta futures fell by 2.81 per cent, or $104 per tonne, to settle at $3,598 per tonne. The futures curve also reflected a softer price outlook across later contracts. Arabica futures for September 2026 were quoted at 358.75 US cents per pound, equivalent to about Rs 757.06 per kg, while the December 2026 contract stood at 322.65 US cents per pound, or approximately Rs 680.88 per kg. The March 2027 contract was lower at 309.75 US cents per pound, equivalent to around Rs 653.65 per kg.

Robusta futures showed a similar pattern. September 2026 robusta was quoted at $3,598 per tonne, equivalent to approximately Rs 344.40 per kg, while the November 2026 contract was at $3,618 per tonne, or around Rs 346.31 per kg. The January 2027 contract stood at $3,600 per tonne, equivalent to approximately Rs 344.59 per kg. The Coffee Board report used an exchange rate of Rs 95.72 per US dollar.

Indicator Prices Show a Wide Arabica-Robusta Gap

The International Coffee Organization’s group indicator prices also showed the continued premium commanded by Arabica.

Other Mild Arabica was quoted at 370.78 US cents per pound, or approximately Rs 782.44 per kg, compared with 370.03 US cents per pound in the previous reading. Robusta, meanwhile, was quoted at 182.18 US cents per pound, or about Rs 384.45 per kg, marginally lower than the previous level of 182.20 US cents per pound. The difference between Arabica and robusta prices remains substantial, although the global market is increasingly being shaped by expectations around supply conditions, particularly in Brazil, and the movement of exchange-traded inventories.

Karnataka Prices Remain Firm

Despite the correction in international futures, raw coffee prices in Karnataka remained firm as of August 23.

Arabica parchment was quoted between Rs 25,000 and Rs 25,500 per 50 kg, while Arabica cherry traded in the range of Rs 13,700 to Rs 15,000 per 50 kg. Robusta parchment was priced between Rs 18,000 and Rs 18,500 per 50 kg, while robusta cherry was quoted at Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 per 50 kg. At the auction level, Arabica Plantation PB was quoted at Rs 708 per kg, while the AA grade stood at Rs 700 per kg. Grade A was priced at Rs 671 per kg, BBB at Rs 574 per kg, and C at Rs 416.50 per kg.

In the robusta segment, Robusta Parchment AA was quoted at Rs 450 per kg, while BBB was priced at Rs 395 per kg and AAA at Rs 381 per kg. Robusta Cherry AB was quoted at Rs 406 per kg, with BBB at Rs 393 per kg and AAA at Rs 379 per kg. The Coffee Board data also showed differentials across coffee categories. Arabica Plantation A was quoted at New York +15 to +18, while Arabica Cherry AB was at New York -25 to -30. Robusta Parchment AB carried a differential of LIFFE +1,300 to +1,500, while Robusta Cherry AB was quoted at LIFFE +350 to +415.

Export Growth Meets a More Difficult Pricing Environment

The bigger question for India’s coffee sector is whether the strong volume performance can continue if global prices remain under pressure.

The Coffee Board’s latest report points to two forces working in opposite directions. On one side, Indian exports are showing strong growth across several categories, with robusta cherry and instant coffee emerging as the biggest drivers. On the other, expectations of faster harvesting in Brazil and a build-up in robusta inventories are beginning to weigh on international benchmark prices. For exporters, that could mean a shift from a market defined largely by strong volumes to one where realisations become increasingly important. Higher shipments do not automatically translate into proportionately higher export earnings if benchmark prices continue to soften.

For now, India’s coffee industry has a substantial volume cushion. Total shipments have already crossed 318,000 tonnes before the end of August, while Indian-origin coffee exports alone are approaching 240,000 tonnes. Robusta cherry has consolidated its position as the dominant export category, while instant coffee continues to strengthen India’s presence in the higher-value segment of the trade.

The months ahead will determine whether this export momentum can be sustained in a changing global market. Brazil’s harvest progress, global inventory levels, currency movements and the direction of Arabica and robusta futures will all influence the price Indian exporters can command. The current numbers, however, leave little doubt about one thing: India is shipping significantly more coffee into the global market than it did a year ago. The next challenge will be to ensure that volume growth is matched by sustainable realisations.

— Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com)

source: http://www.agrospectrumindia.com / Agro Spectrum / Home> Allied Industries> News / by / Suchetana Choudhury /August 27th, 2026

Tamara Leisure Experiences Shines With Five FHRAI Awards Across Hotels, Talent and Wellness

Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), ,

Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) has written another chapter in its success story by winning five key awards at the FHRAI 56th Annual Convention. The awards are a testimony of TLE’s focus on leadership, innovation in food and beverage, engagement of employees, performance of properties and social wellness. The awards appreciate TLE for providing experiences with a ‘people’ and a ‘purpose’ touch and incorporating ‘place’ through real time experiences offered during their stays.

The awards reflect the diverse strengths of TLE’s hospitality portfolio. At The Tamara Coorg, Mohd Jafar was honoured as Hotel Front Office Manager of the Year – Luxury Hotels (Male), recognising his contribution to delivering exceptional guest service. Chef Baranidharan M from O by Tamara Coimbatore received the title of Executive Chef of the Year – Midscale Hotels (Male) for his culinary leadership and innovation. Jijo Mathew from O by Tamara Thiruvananthapuram was recognised as Human Resources Manager of the Year – Upscale Hotels (Male), highlighting the group’s strong focus on talent development and workplace excellence.

Further strengthening TLE’s achievement, O by Tamara Coimbatore was awarded Best Upscale Hotel of the Year, while Amal Tamara received the award for Best Wellness Resort. The recognition celebrates Amal Tamara’s unique approach to holistic Ayurvedic wellness and its efforts to provide transformative wellbeing experiences. Together, these accolades underline TLE’s continued pursuit of excellence across its properties and its dedication to redefining contemporary hospitality.

Speaking on the recognition, Samir M.C., CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “These recognitions are particularly meaningful because they reflect the different elements that come together to define Tamara – our people, our destinations and the experiences we create. We have always believed that responsible and memorable hospitality is built through authentic engagement with our guests, our teams and the places in which we operate. To see this philosophy recognised across both individual and property categories is a strong affirmation of the work our teams do every day.”

The FHRAI 56th Annual Convention, hosted from August 21 to 23, 2026, at Taj Ganges, welcomed over 1,000 delegates from India and international markets, including policymakers, hospitality leaders and key stakeholders from across the  tourism and hospitality sector. The event provided a significant platform for discussions, partnerships and industry collaboration, focusing on the changing priorities and future direction of Indian hospitality.

The recognition highlights TLE’s core belief that hospitality should extend beyond delivering memorable guest stays and create a positive impact on people, communities and the destinations where its properties operate. This commitment is reflected through its strong focus on local employment, with nearly half of its workforce recruited from surrounding communities. By generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods, TLE ensures its properties remain deeply connected with regional traditions, cultural identity and the natural landscapes that define each destination.

With modern travellers increasingly searching for authentic experiences, cultural connections and meaningful journeys, TLE continues to develop hospitality concepts that celebrate a strong sense of place. From the nature-inspired luxury of The Tamara Coorg and stylish urban experiences at O by Tamara to the personalised Ayurvedic wellness offerings at Amal Tamara, each property reflects a unique interpretation of responsible hospitality. Through its philosophy of Responsible and Memorable Hospitality, TLE focuses on preserving local heritage, strengthening communities and creating experiences that deliver lasting value for guests and the destinations they visit.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel andTour World (TTW) Home> Hotel News / by Benny Mehera / August 25th, 2026

Karnataka: Coffee Board of India asks growers to register on app

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News

Coffee Board Secretary and CEO Kurma Rao shared the export statistics.

Coffee Board’s Chairman MJ Dinesh confirmed that 45% of India’s total coffee is exported to the European Market.(Photo | X, @CoffeeboardI)

Madikeri :

Coffee Board of India has requested coffee growers to register on the India Coffee App to align with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Speaking at a conference, the Board’s Chairman MJ Dinesh confirmed that 45% of India’s total coffee is exported to the European Market.

In the event organised by the Coffee Board in Kudumangalore near Kushalnagar on Saturday, Dinesh said that 29 European coffee-growing countries have come together to implement the EUDR rule with the aim of protecting the environment by keeping global warming in mind.

He detailed that the European Union is a primary importer and re-exporter of all coffee, including the green, roasted and instant varieties and said that 45% of the total coffee exports reach the European market, with 16% being exported only to Italy.

He shared that under EUDR mandates, EU importers must prove their coffee was grown on land that has not undergone deforestation after December 31, 2020. He confirmed that India is currently classified under the EUDR low-risk category and only 1% of Indian coffee exports undergo global quality checks.

“By providing this platform natively, the Coffee Board helps growers bypass private third-party services that charge up to 35 dollars per tonne of exported coffee. Using a government-backed app also protects national agricultural data and security,” he said.

Coffee Board Secretary and CEO Kurma Rao shared the export statistics.

Dr Pradeep Babu, Deputy Director of Research, conducted a lecture and interactive session with local growers and industry stakeholders.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 17th, 2026

Kruti Coffee opens first UK cafe in London, taking Odisha brews global

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, World Opinion

Kruti Coffee has opened its first UK cafe on Tooting High Street in south London. The launch signals the Odisha brand’s global push and a wider showcase for Indian speciality coffee.

Kruti Coffee, a speciality coffee brand that began with tribal coffee farms in Odisha, has launched its first UK cafe in south London, marking the start of its global expansion. The company opened the outlet on Tooting High Street this week after receiving its first coffee consignment from Kolkata following the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement last month.

The cafe is designed to offer a full speciality coffee experience, with manual brewing methods and espresso-based drinks made using Kruti Coffee’s signature 100 per cent Arabica house blend. The company said the outlet is meant to introduce the diversity and quality of Indian speciality coffee to an international audience.

“What began as an effort to revive a forgotten coffee plantation in Koraput has grown into a journey of showcasing the incredible potential of Indian specialty coffee to the world,” co-founder Jeeta Mona said. “Opening our first international cafe in London is a proud milestone-not just for Kruti Coffee, but for the farmers and communities whose dedication makes every cup possible. We look forward to sharing the richness, diversity, and story of Indian coffee with coffee lovers from across the globe,” she said.

Founded in 2013 as an impact initiative to revive a neglected coffee plantation in the remote hills of Koraput in Odisha, Kruti Coffee describes itself as a farm-to-cup speciality coffee venture focused on quality, sustainability and social impact. Over the past decade, the company said it has partnered with some of India’s finest coffee producers while continuing to champion coffees from its home region.

The company said its coffees are roasted at the Select by Kruti Coffee roastery in Bhubaneswar, following standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association. Among its best-known offerings is Kindiriguda Naturals, which was recognised as Best Arabica Naturals at the Fine Cup Award during the World Coffee Conference. “Visitors to the new London cafe will now have the opportunity to experience this award-winning coffee alongside an extensive selection of Indian single-origin coffees, carefully crafted blends, and seasonal microlots,” the company said in a statement.

Mona said London was chosen for the brand’s first international store because of the city’s global influence, strong cafe culture and growing interest in speciality coffee. “The new outlet marks the beginning of the brand’s global expansion and its mission to establish Indian specialty coffee among the world’s finest coffee origins,” she added.

At a launch event attended by British Indian parliamentarians and community leaders on Thursday, Mona was joined by Kruti Coffee’s Head Roaster and Barista Pabitra Sahoo, who presented a series of speciality manual brews. With the opening of the London cafe, the Odisha-founded brand has taken its first step in showcasing Indian speciality coffee to a wider global market.

With PTI Inputs

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> World / by India Today World Desk / with PTI Inputs / August 21st, 2026

Bengaluru to host India International Coffee Festival in February 2027

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Records, All, World Opinion

The third edition of IICF will bring together growers, roasters, café brands, baristas, equipment manufacturers, and coffee consumers on a farm-to-cup platform.

Visitors check varieties of coffee during the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2026 in Bengaluru on February 12, 2026. | Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J

Organised by the Coffee Board of India in association with the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), the third edition of IICF will bring together growers, roasters, café brands, baristas, equipment manufacturers, and coffee consumers on a farm-to-cup platform.

The event comes as domestic coffee consumption shows significant room for expansion. While cities account for nearly 70% of consumption and southern India contributes 75-80% of the country’s coffee consumption, coffee is gaining popularity in northern, western and eastern markets. India’s per-capita coffee consumption remains at just 0.07 kg annually, compared with the global average of 1.3 kg.

“IICF has become an important platform for India’s coffee community at a time of remarkable growth,” said Kurma Rao M., CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board of India. “As café culture spreads across India and a new generation embraces coffee, the home market holds enormous potential, even as Indian coffee earns its place on the world stage.”

“India has grown some of the finest coffee on Earth for generations, and now, at last, India is drinking it,” said Hamsini Appadurai, President, SCAI and organiser, IICF.

A key attraction at the conference will be the National Coffee Championships, including the 26th National Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, Indian Filter Coffee Championship, Latte Art Championship, and, for the first time, Coffee in Good Spirits. Winners will represent India at corresponding World Coffee Championships.

The championship qualifiers will be held in Bengaluru, Delhi and Navi Mumbai between August and October 2026, ahead of the national finals in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>India> Karnataka /by The Hindu Bureau / August 20th, 2026

PM Vishwakarma artisans trained in AI and e-commerce in Kodagu

Artists of Kodagu (wef. January 21st, 2025), Business & Economy

A one-day branding and marketing awareness programme was held in Kushalnagar in Kodagu district on 10 August 2026 for around 150 tailor beneficiaries registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The programme covered Artificial Intelligence tools, digital marketing, e-commerce onboarding, QR code generation, and registration on the Udyam Portal.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The PM Vishwakarma scheme is a Central Sector scheme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It covers 18 traditional trades, including tailor, carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, and basket maker.

MSME-DFO and district-level outreach

The Branch MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Mangaluru, organised the programme in association with the Kushalnagar Taluk Tailors’ Association. Sundar Sherigar, Assistant Director and Head of Office at the Branch MSME-DFO Mangaluru, presided over the session.

PMEGP and Udyam Portal

Hanumatharaya, Joint Director of the District Industries Centre, Madikeri, briefed participants on the features, eligibility, and financial assistance application process under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. The Udyam Portal is the Government of India’s online registration system for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Important Facts for Exams

  • The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises administers several enterprise support schemes for artisans and micro-enterprises in India.
  • PMEGP stands for Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme.
  • QR code-based payments are part of India’s digital commerce ecosystem under the Unified Payments Interface and other payment systems.
  • Artificial Intelligence tools are increasingly used in digital marketing, customer outreach, and product listing on e-commerce platforms.

Local artisan associations

The event involved the Kushalnagar Taluk Tailors’ Association and the Kodagu District Tailors Association. Suman S. Raju, Assistant Director and programme coordinator, explained the execution stages and benefits of the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

source: http://www.gktoday.in /GK Today / Home> Current Affairs Today> Latest Current Affairs / by August 11th, 2026

On the foot-hills of Karnataka a new way to save the environment through eco-travel and organic farming

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , ,

Approximately five hours west of Bangalore in Karnataka is the Kodagu district in the Western Ghats.

This picturesque area is one of the most affluent districts in India, despite much of the district being used for agriculture.It’s here in the Kodagu district that Sujata and Anurag Goel decided to start up Mojo Plantation in 1994. In doing so, they had hoped to leave behind the rat race of urban living to explore an organic way of life and a more harmonious existence with nature.

Modelled on an organic farm, Mojo Plantation works on ecological principles; gleaned from the experience of the founders in the sciences of botany, plant biochemistry, genetics, ecology and molecular biology.

Also on the plantation is a Rainforest Retreat, a unique eco-tourism project that enables tourists to experience the harmony of living with nature. “The Retreat provides a platform for exchange of information, farming practices, research programs, with likeminded people, farmers and students from India as well as from other countries”, adds Anurag.

Both Mojo Plantation and the Rainforest Retreat fund the Goels’ other project– their NGO entitled Worldwide Association for Preservation and Restoration of Ecological Diversity.

The goal of all these organisations however is similar – to ensure that farmers in the Kodagu region and beyond are aware of the perils of conventional agricultural practices and to promote instead the adoption oforganic farming that preserves soils and fosters biodiversity.

The long-term danger of chemical farming

According to the Goel’s, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides “kills not only one species which is considered a “pest” of the crop, but also completely destroys the complex network of biotic life that supports that ecosystem.”

This is a major problem in the Western Ghats, especially for coffee and spice crops whose species are threatened by the use of these fertilisers over several years. Since coffee and spices are very important to the entire economy of the region, it is imperative to find and implement sustainable solutions.

It is for this reason that the Goel’s follow ‘natural principles’ such as ecological farming – a practice based on nurturing and nourishing the soils – reduce the damage to crops from pests.

Organic farming practices at Mojo Plantation

Talking about their farming practices, the Goel’s mentioned that they do not stick rigidly to one or two principles. In fact, Sujata notes: “Our aim has been to strike a balance between time-tested traditional practices and modern scientific approaches.”

This mix includes traditional practices such as panchkavya – a concoction, which is prepared by mixing the five by-products of a cow, biodynamic farming, permaculture or natural farming. What results is an organic product, which has the potential to play the role of promoting growth and providing immunity in the plant system.

Despite that the Mojo Plantation is located in an area that receives a lot of rainfall where often limited varieties and quantities of crops that can be grown, the plantation’s farming practices have helped ensure a wide variety of crops that have a unique flavour can be cultivated.

Why choose organic farming?

“Biodiversity levels are greatly affected by decisions that agriculturists make. Organic farming allows for a balance to be struck between land use and the conservation of biological diversity. This is even more important in the Western Ghats as it is a region which has unique and rich species diversity”, says Sujata Goel.

For example, rather than razing natural forests to farm the land, the Mojo Plantation cultivates crops that can be grown in the shade of the rainforest trees to preserve biodiversity whilst also earning an income.

By adopting organic practices, Sujata adds, “The locals can become the caretakers of the forests.”

Organic farming is still in its infancy in India compared to countries such as Australia and Germany. Through Mojo Plantation, WAPRED and the Rainforest Retreat, the Goel’s aim to change the perception of organic farming amongst not only the farmers of the Kodagu district but also the city dwellers that visit their rainforest retreat.

About the author and Ennovent

Sujata Goel of Mojo Plantation is a member of the Ennovent Network and you can connect with her to learn more about their organic farming practices.

The Ennovent Network is a global online community of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and experts with whom you can collaborate to accelerate innovations for low-income markets.

source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Social Enterprise / by Leilakarnik / July 17th,2013

Napanda Thimmaiah appointed as Vice-President of Meritor Asia Pacific

Business & Economy, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru:

Meritor, Inc. has announced that Napanda P. Thimmaiah has been appointed as Vice-President of Asia Pacific effective  Oct. 1, 2021. Thimmaiah was most recently Vice-President of India and Australia for the company. In this expanded role, he will be responsible for leading and successfully executing Meritor’s business strategy in Asia Pacific.

Meritor HVS (India) has a unit at Hootagalli in Mysuru and is a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. “Thimmaiah has nearly three decades of industry experience during which time he has made a significant mark on the industry,” said Ken Hogan, Senior Vice-President and President of Meritor Truck, Europe and Asia Pacific. 

“During his nine years with Meritor, he has grown the business, strengthened relationships, and exceeded expectations for customer quality, cost and delivery. We look forward to his leadership of the company’s interests in the Asia Pacific region,” Ken Hogan added. 

Thimmaiah was named one of the Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia in 2020-2021, an award that recognises eminent, visionary leaders who excelled during extraordinary times. The recognition is given to leaders who are committed to creating economic renaissance for their nations.

Napanda Thimmaiah is the son of Napanda B. Poovaiah, retired Inspector of Police, Mysuru and N.P. Devakki. He is married to Sailaxmi, a home-maker and daughter of Madrira Tiny Parvathy and late Biddappa. Their son Kevin Kariappa is currently working as a Partner and Business Development Leader for a Fitness and Wellness Start-up  Medifit/Chisel/Miboso. Kevin did his undergraduate degree in Sports Development and Coaching Science at Bournemouth University, England.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 06th, 2021